Exploring Brain Tumours and clinical trials.

 

 

Understanding brain tumour types

A brain tumour refers to the growth of abnormal cells in or near the brain. There are over 120 different types of brain tumours depending on the tissue the tumour effects. Whilst all brain cancers are tumours, but not all brain tumours are cancerous. Brain tumours can cause a wide range of symptoms, however even if a tumour is non-cancerous, it can still cause harm by pushing down on areas of the brain or blocking fluid which builds pressure within the skull and requires treatment. Depending on the source of a brain tumour it can be primary (where the tumour starts in the brain), or secondary metastatic (where the tumour starts elsewhere in the body and spreads to the brain). Whilst there are many types of brain tumours, in adults, glioblastomas are the most common and aggressive form of high grade 4 primary brain tumours. There are 4 different grade types of brain tumours explained below:

Low grade tumours

Grade 1 and 2 tumours are characterized as slow growing. Because they are relatively contained, they are less likely to spread to other areas of the brain. If completely removed, there is less chance of recurrence. They are sometimes referred to as benign.

High grade tumours

Grade 3 and 4 tumours are characterized as fast growing and are more likely to spread to other parts of the brain. They have a higher likelihood of returning even if treated and are often referred to as ‘malignant’ or ‘cancerous’.

Mixed grade tumours

There are cases where tumours contain a mix of cells with different grade ratings. In this case, the tumour will be graded according to the highest grade of cells found in the tumour, even if the majority of the cells are found to be low grade.

Doctor and patient looking at brain scan
Radiologist and patient in an MRI
Patient and caregiver holding hands

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Brain Tumour Community support

brainstrust

brainstrust is a UK based brain tumour charity that provides personalised support and resources for people with a brain tumour, as well as for their loved ones. They work with people in clinical settings to secure the best possible care for people with a brain tumour and campaign for real world issues.

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Brain Tumour Research

Brain Tumour Research is a UK charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours through campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research, and creating a network sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.

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The Brain Tumour Charity

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. They're committed to finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change.

Visit webpage

What is a clinical trial and who can take part?

A clinical trial is a type of research or investigational study that tests the effects and safety of a medical treatment, device, or intervention which is not yet approved, on people who volunteer to take part. Its goal is to evaluate, prior to approval, how safe and effective the treatment is for a specific health condition before it is made available to the general public. In addition to treating diseases, clinical trials also investigate new ways to diagnose and prevent illnesses. 

People with certain health conditions, such as a brain tumour, may be eligible to participate in clinical trials. Researchers set specific criteria for participation, which might depend on factors like age or other medical conditions. To determine eligibility, you may need to answer questions or have a medical exam. Some trials involve healthy participants without any health conditions, while others may include individuals with a family history of a certain disease or condition.

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Why choose myTomorrows

We make it straightforward for patients and their physicians to discover and receive support with accessing clinical trials. We empower patients and their families to know and understand their options and make the best possible decisions regarding their treatment journey. 

We've helped

11000+

patients access treatment

Cost to patients

Free

Active in

50+

countries worldwide

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Speak with our supportive team who are there to guide you through every step of your treatment option journey.  

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Still have questions?

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Frequently asked questions

1. How does myTomorrows help patients?

We empower patients and their physicians by offering a comprehensive overview on available options, whether it's participating in a clinical trial or considering an expanded access program.   Patients receive equal support – with a global reach, we provide referrals to trial sites and can support physicians with the expanded access application processes worldwide. To guide patients through this intricate process, our patient navigators act as a single point of contact throughout their entire journey. Learn more about how we help patients.

2. I am currently on a standard treatment. Can myTomorrows conduct a search at this time to explore potential non-standard treatment options?

It is important to remain on your current treatment, and to follow your doctor's advice. However, you don’t have to wait for your doctor to be referred to a clinical trial. Many people with a life-threatening disease actively look for clinical trials prior and during the treatment, to find more options to educate themselves about what is available.  

3. What is the role of Patient Navigators at myTomorrows?

Our Patient Navigators are an essential point of contact for patients to understand and find clinical trials and if available, expanded access programs.  They are a familiar contact for patients throughout their journey of choice; while they cannot give medical advice, Patient Navigators are trained to explain complex medical concepts to patients. We offer dependable, multilingual support to patients covering U.S. and European time zones.  Learn more about our services to patients here.

4. Can I quit a clinical trial?

Yes, you can quit a clinical trial at any time if you decide you no longer want to participate.

5. Do patients have to pay for clinical trials?

Patients usually do not have to pay for the majority of clinical trial costs. Drug manufacturers typically make the treatment in a clinical trial available free of charge. However, there may be other costs associated with participating in a clinical trial, such as additional medical appointments or travel expenses. Review any possible costs with the clinical trial staff and with your insurance provider before enrolling in a clinical trial. 

6. Who has access to my health data?

We treat all patient data highly confidentially and none is processed without your explicit consent. Our strict data policy restricts access to data to only qualified employees with direct operational responsibility for helping patients, and our platform and all our digital solutions are fully GDPR-compliant and ISO-27001 certified. More information is available in our privacy and cookie statements.  Do you have a question around data privacy, data processing, or data protection? Please reach out to dataprotection@mytomorrows.com 

7. Does myTomorrows provide medical advice to patients?

No, myTomorrows cannot provide any medical advice or medical services to patients. We kindly recommend that you discuss with your treating physician regarding any concerns or medical guidance in considering and selecting a clinical trial or expanded access program option. Treating physicians remain in charge of their patient’s treatment plan and providing any answers on specific medical questions. Our team can only support in providing information about clinical trials and expanded access programs that may be available to patients.

8. Is my patient’s data secure?

We treat all patient data highly confidentially and none is processed without your/their explicit consent. Our strict data policy restricts access to data to only qualified employees with direct operational responsibility for helping patients, and our platform and all our digital solutions are fully GDPR-compliant and ISO-27001 certified. More information is available in our privacy and cookie statements. Do you have a question around data privacy, data processing, or data protection? Please reach out to dataprotection@mytomorrows.com.

9. What is the cost of myTomorrows’ services for patients?

Our services of providing information about clinical trials and expanded access programs and supporting physicians with the expanded access application process worldwide are always free of charge for patients and healthcare professionals.
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